Where is the camshaft position sensor located?

The camshaft position sensor is typically mounted near the engine’s timing area—on the timing cover or close to the camshaft inside or atop the cylinder head. The exact spot varies by make and model.

In practice, you’ll often find it near the front of the engine, aligned with the camshaft, or tucked onto the cylinder head near the timing gear or belt/chain cover. Knowing this helps when diagnosing timing-related symptoms or performing maintenance.

Common locations by engine design

These placements cover the majority of passenger-car engines. Each layout has its own pattern, but the sensor is usually visible from the front of the engine bay or just above the timing cover.

• Inline-4 and other four-cylinder engines: often mounted on the cylinder head or directly on the timing cover at the front of the engine, facing the camshaft or its gear/chain area.


• V6 and V8 engines: frequently located on the front or side of the cylinder head near the timing chain cover, sometimes integrated into a small sensor housing near the camshaft.


• Engines with timing belts: typically set on or near the timing cover at the belt pulley end, accessible from the front of the engine bay.


• Engines with timing chains: usually mounted toward the front of the engine, on the timing cover or valve-cover area, aligned with the camshaft or a tone wheel behind the chain.

These patterns cover most modern production engines, though individual models may place the sensor a bit differently due to packaging or design changes.

Model-specific variations

While the guidelines above fit many vehicles, some makes place the camshaft position sensor in less obvious spots. Always verify the exact location for your car by consulting the service manual or a reliable repair database for your specific year, make, and model.

How to identify the exact location for your vehicle

To find the precise spot on your car, follow these practical steps. They apply whether you’re preparing for a DIY check or just trying to locate the component for diagnostic purposes.

1. Check the owner’s manual or official service manual for the CPS reference and location notes specific to your vehicle.


2. Open the hood and inspect the front, top, and side of the engine where the timing cover sits; look for a small sensor with a multi-pin or 2–3-wire connector.


3. Look near the cylinder head, camshaft end, or timing cover edges; many CPS units sit just above or beside the timing gear or chain area.


4. Trace the wiring harness from the sensor toward the wiring harness loom to confirm you’ve found the correct component.


5. If you still can’t locate it, search online for your car’s exact make/model/year and “camshaft position sensor location” or consult a workshop manual.


6. For safety and accuracy, consider having a qualified technician confirm the location if you’re unsure.

Having the exact location helps with testing, cleaning, or replacing the sensor and reduces the risk of misidentifying nearby components.

Summary

In short, the camshaft position sensor is generally found near the timing area at the front of the engine—on the timing cover, cylinder head, or adjacent to the camshaft—though the precise spot varies by model. Use the vehicle’s manual or a trusted repair resource to locate the exact position for your car, and follow proper safety practices when inspecting or servicing electrical components.

How much does it cost to replace a camshaft position sensor?

The cost to replace a camshaft position sensor ranges from $100 to $400, with the price varying based on the vehicle and accessibility. DIY replacement for an easy-to-access sensor can be as low as $30–$106 for the part alone, while professional service for a difficult-to-access sensor can be $150–$400+ including parts and labor. 
This video explains the average cost to replace a camshaft position sensor and the factors that influence the price: 54sTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · Mar 29, 2025
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The part itself is typically inexpensive, costing between $30 and $150. 
• Labor: This can vary significantly based on the vehicle's make and model, and how difficult the sensor is to access. 
  • DIY (easy access): The job can take as little as 15–30 minutes, with a low skill level requirement. 
  • Professional: Labor can range from $150 to over $200 or more for harder-to-reach sensors, and the job could take 1–2+ hours. 
• Total: The average total cost for professional replacement is often between $127 and $203. 

Factors that can influence the cost

• Vehicle type: Luxury or expensive cars may have significantly higher replacement costs. 
• Number of sensors: Some V6 and V8 engines have more than one camshaft position sensor, which would increase the total cost if all are replaced. 
• Sensor accessibility: If the sensor is in a tight or hard-to-reach spot, labor costs will be higher. 
• Part brand: The cost can fluctuate depending on whether you choose an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket one. 

This video discusses the symptoms of a bad camshaft sensor and potential replacement costs: 1mPrecisionMotorsYouTube · Jul 11, 2023

Can I replace a camshaft position sensor myself?

Yes, you can likely replace a camshaft position sensor yourself, as it's a relatively inexpensive part and a straightforward job that can often be done in under an hour. You will need to disconnect the battery, locate and remove the old sensor, install the new one, and then reconnect the battery and test the vehicle.
 
Step 1: Prepare the vehicle

• Park on a level surface and allow the engine to cool down completely. 
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal: to prevent electrical shorts. 

This video shows the first steps of replacing a camshaft position sensor, including disconnecting the battery and locating the sensor: 59sO'Reilly Auto PartsYouTube · Sep 12, 2019
Step 2: Locate and remove the old sensor 

• Locate the camshaft position sensor, which is usually on the cylinder head, near the camshaft housing. 
• Depending on your vehicle, you may need to remove the air filter housing for better access. 
• Unplug the electrical connector by pressing the locking tab and pulling gently. Inspect the connector for damage or dirt. 
• Remove the bolt that holds the sensor in place. 
• Gently twist and pull the old sensor straight out of its mounting. Be careful not to let the old O-ring fall into the engine cavity. 

Step 3: Install the new sensor 

• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the gasket on the new sensor. 
• Insert the new sensor into the mounting, making sure it is facing the same direction as the old one. 
• Hand-tighten the mounting bolt, then use a torque wrench to tighten it to the manufacturer's specifications to avoid overtightening. 
• Reconnect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place. 
• Reinstall any components you removed, such as the air filter housing. 

Step 4: Test the vehicle

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal. 
• Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. 
• Drive the vehicle to see if the symptoms are gone and if the check engine light turns off. It may take some time for the light to go out on its own. 

How do I reset my camshaft sensor?

You don't "reset" a camshaft position sensor, but after replacement, many vehicles require a "relearn" procedure to recalibrate the new sensor to the engine. This can be done by driving the car or using a diagnostic scan tool to perform a "cam crank relearn," which is often necessary if the engine control module (ECM) hasn't automatically recognized the new sensor. For some cars, a scan tool is required, and the process involves starting the engine once the ignition is on and letting the system complete the relearn automatically, often after the engine reaches a specific temperature. 
Methods to perform a camshaft sensor relearn
1. Drive the vehicle 

• For some vehicles, the relearn procedure may happen automatically simply by driving the car. 
• Start by clearing any stored diagnostic trouble codes after replacement. 
• Drive the vehicle normally to allow the engine control module (ECM) to adapt to the new sensor. 

This video explains what to do after replacing a camshaft sensor: 1m Easy Car ElectricsYouTube · Jun 20, 2023
2. Use a diagnostic scan tool 

• This method is often required for modern vehicles and may be more reliable. 
• Connect a diagnostic scan tool to the vehicle's OBD-II port and turn the ignition on without starting the engine. 
• Navigate to the ECM's special functions menu and select the "cam crank relearn" or a similar function. 
• The tool will prompt you to start the engine and then monitor the relearn process, which can be completed automatically or require you to reach a specific temperature (e.g., 70∘C70 raised to the composed with power cap C70∘𝐶 or 158∘F158 raised to the composed with power cap F158∘𝐹). 
• Follow the on-screen instructions until the tool indicates the procedure is complete. 

What happens when a camshaft sensor goes bad?

When a camshaft sensor goes bad, it can cause performance issues like rough idling, poor acceleration, and reduced fuel economy because the engine control unit (ECU) gets inaccurate information about the camshaft's position. It may also lead to more severe problems like stalling or a no-start condition, as the ECU can't properly time fuel injection and ignition, and the check engine light will likely turn on.
 
Common symptoms of a failing camshaft sensor

• Rough idle: The engine may run unevenly, misfire, or shake at idle. 
• Difficulty starting: The engine might crank for a long time or not start at all if the ECU can't synchronize the spark and fuel injection. 
• Stalling: The engine can stall unexpectedly, especially at low speeds or while idling. 
• Poor performance: You may notice sluggish acceleration, a lack of power, or the car jerking and hesitating while driving. 
• Reduced fuel economy: Incorrect timing can lead to inefficient fuel combustion, making the engine use more fuel. 
• Check engine light: A fault code, such as P0340 or P0341, will be logged, and the check engine light will illuminate on the dashboard. 
• Transmission problems: The transmission may shift roughly, hesitate, or get stuck in a gear because the sensor's data is also used for gear shifting. 
• Unusual noises: The engine might make knocking, ticking, or rattling sounds due to improper timing. 

What to do

• A failing camshaft sensor can lead to serious engine damage, so it's best to address the issue promptly. 
• Get the car scanned with an OBD2 scanner to confirm the specific trouble code. 
• Have a qualified mechanic inspect the sensor and its wiring for damage or corrosion.